Burned House Of Pies on Kirby pushes back reopening to mid-February

Published 1:51 pm, Thursday, January 23, 2014

House of Pies manager Greg Smith said the popular Upper Kirby spot was once expected to be open for Thanksgiving.

House of Pies manager Greg Smith said the popular Upper Kirby spot was once expected to be open for Thanksgiving.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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The blaze broke out about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday at 3112 Kirby near West Alabama.

The blaze broke out about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday at 3112 Kirby near West Alabama.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Houston firefighters got the blaze under control by 11:09 p.m. Wednesday.

Houston firefighters got the blaze under control by 11:09 p.m. Wednesday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Officials say flames heavily damaged the roof and outer portions of the eatery.

Officials say flames heavily damaged the roof and outer portions of the eatery.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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No one was hurt, but customers and staff had to evacuate as smoke seeped into the restaurant.

No one was hurt, but customers and staff had to evacuate as smoke seeped into the restaurant.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Investigators are trying to determine what sparked the blaze.

Investigators are trying to determine what sparked the blaze.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

In addition to a favorite for holiday food at home, the Upper Kirby restaurant is popular among the late-night crowd.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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A slice of cherry pie is set off against a background of Cherry, Dutch Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb and Strawberry Cream pies at the House of Pies on Kirby.

A slice of cherry pie is set off against a background of Cherry, Dutch Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb and Strawberry Cream pies at the House of Pies on Kirby.

Photo: Steve Campbell, Houston Chronicle

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House of Pies

House of Pies

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

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Whether you're an insomniac, work a night-shift or spent a late one out on the town, there are plenty of restaurants around Houston that can keep up with your off-peak hours and appetite. Pictured: House of Pies, 3112 Kirby Dr. and 6142 Westheimer Rd. less

Whether you're an insomniac, work a night-shift or spent a late one out on the town, there are plenty of restaurants around Houston that can keep up with your off-peak hours and appetite. Pictured: House of ... more

Photo: Dave Rossman, For The Chronicle

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House of Pies will sell mini pies in flavors including pecan, pecan fudge, buttermilk, coconut cream and decadent Bayou Goo.

House of Pies will sell mini pies in flavors including pecan, pecan fudge, buttermilk, coconut cream and decadent Bayou Goo.

Photo: Nick De La Torre :, Chronicle

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Burned House Of Pies on Kirby pushes back reopening to mid-February

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Fingers crossed, you could be sharing a slice of pecan pie at the renovated House of Pies location on Kirby with your honey on Valentine's Day. That's if all goes to plan, according to Craig Sigurdson, the general manager at the HOP location on Westheimer.

He says that the location is hoping to open by mid-February, three months after an accidental one-alarm fire struck the restaurant, located at 3112 Kirby.

The Nov. 6 blaze caused significant damage to the roof and exterior of the restaurant's building. There were no reports of injuries. Houston fire officials said the flames heavily damaged the roof and outer portions of the popular 24-hour eatery, which has been at the location since 1967.

The location wasn't open during the holidays, when they are usually hopping with customers stocking up on pies for family gatherings.

"I know they are replacing furniture, tiles, and modernizing most of the fixtures," says Sigurdson, who has been with the chain for 25 years.

"The building is over 40 years old, so some things needed to be updated," he adds.

Right now, the location is still dealing with getting city permits squared away, which usually tacks on a few more days and weeks to any restaurant opening or reopening.

Plans are still in the works for a grand reopening for the Kirby location when the time comes, said Sigurdson.

You can still get your HOP fix at their westside store, located at 6142 Westheimer.